Not sure if this belongs here but, quick question!

[outlawimmortal]

Hello everyone, I recently purchased a ball python from a friend of a friend and, although I've done a lot of research, I'm a bit confused about feeding..

I had asked the man I purchased him from when he last fed him, and when he thought I should feed him again. He told me that he fed him 10 days ago, and that he should be ready to feed again in 2-3 days, BUT to wait until he poops, because according to him, that's how you know his food has been fully digested.'

It has now been 3 days and my snake has not pooped, so I'm just wondering if I should go ahead and feed him, or if I should wait a few more days? Thanks for answering!

[ahunt037]

u can wait until the snake poops i tried this before and depending on the age of the snake it could poop 4 days after eating or 40 days after eating younger snakes are still tryin to get as much nutrients from their food as possible so typically baby snakes dont poop as often as a adult snake who also does not eat as often. i TRY to feed my snakes 2 times a week but if this is simply just a pet 1 time a week should be just fine u dont need to wait until they poop but some people do this

hope this helps

[outlawimmortal]

thanks, that did help, I forgot to mention that I was told he was 5 years old and 3 feet long

[ahunt037]

im not tryin to jump to conclusions but normally 5 years old and 3 feet long is a sign of underfeeding the snake i have a snake that is just over a year old and pretty close to 3 feet long if not longer

this is not a bad thing it just means he will be willing to eat 1-2 times a week i think

[Eric Doane]

thanks, that did help, I forgot to mention that I was told he was 5 years old and 3 feet long

At that age and size you would be good feeding a rat every 7-10 days. You don't red to wait til they poop. they poop when they are ready.

[outlawimmortal]

Oh no! I don't want him to be underfed.. Like I said I only got him 3 days ago, and I thought that some snakes were just smaller than others :s So one rat 2 times a week? or should I start out with one rat once a week? I apologize for being such a noob, lol but I read one thing and was told another, so I'm a bit confused..

[outlawimmortal]

Okay, that's good to know, so I should feed him now then? Or do you think I should wait one more day?

[Eric Doane]

Okay, that's good to know, so I should feed him now then? Or do you think I should wait one more day?

Can't hurt to offer. Worst he could do is say no

[llovelace]

Feed him once a week, he will put on a healthy weight. Some recommend you give a new snake at least a week to settle in before handling etc., go ahead try offering food tonight.

[angllady2]

At his age, you don't want to stuff him, he could easily end up overweight.

Just offer him the standard once every 5 - 7 days, and start off with smaller prey. If he begins to grow and fill out, you know your doing it right. Be aware that he may or may not eat every time, and that's okay.

Never wait until he poops, some of my adults will go 3 months between poops, and that's way too long to not feed.

Gale